State freezes funds to small aid associations
Ynet learns that regulation to cut off funding of ministry-run association projects with a budget of under NIS 500,000 passed by limited forum of three MKs. Hundreds of projects to be halted; thousands of people to suffer as a result
As of next month, aid associations operated by government ministries that have so far been receiving up to NIS 500,000 ($120,867) from the state in funding for various projects, will no longer receive this financial support, Ynet has learned.
The regulation was approved in a small forum, without any preliminary discussion by the relevant bodies. As a result, hundreds of government-run projects in the various fields of welfare, absorption, education, health, and more with a budget of up to half a million shekels, will be halted and thousands of citizens will suffer.
The associations, many of which have been struggling for survival following the global economic crisis, will be at even greater risk of collapse.
Government sources say an absurd situation has been created, in which that cabinet brags about setting up a NIS 100 million ($24 million) fund to support associations on the one hand, while, at the same time freezing the flow of funds to smaller associations.
The new regulation was approved by the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee in September 2008, in the presence of only three Knesset members and no representatives from any of the relevant government bodies or associations.
The approval of the regulation only became known to the relevant government bodies and association heads about one month ago, when legal advisors were summoned to the Justice Ministry to study the new laws and regulations that have been approved.
'Third sector crushed'
A partial list of projects to suffer in the Immigrant Absorption Ministry obtained by Ynet includes projects to promote social and business initiatives among at-risk youth, support of an educational treatment center for at-risk youth, therapy groups for drug addicted youth, and more.
The Finance Ministry said, "The regulation change was made by a legislative process and was approved by the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee.
"A draft of the proposed amendments was made public to all government bodies and other sources. This issue will be weighed and examined and we will take the necessary steps towards a legislative amendment accordingly."
Yaron Sokolov, head of the Israeli Civic Leadership Association said in response to the report, "This is more of the State's policy of crushing and tackling the third sector.
"We object to the new regulation and protest the fact that a representative on our part was not invited to the discussions on the matter. The regulation will lead to organizations and associations struggling to raise funds and be forced to be dismantled."
